Two old buildings in downtown Davenport have been converted into the new urban campus for Scott Community College. Thursday college officials held a ribbon cutting officially to open the buildings on West Third Street.
Scott President Lyn Cochran says the new campus is both a reminder of the city's past and a sign of its promising future.
"The new urban campus says to our students, faculty, staff, and the people who inhabit this neighborhood that they matter. That downtown matters. And that we all are invited to gather in this inspiring place to teach and to learn from one another."
Planning for the new campus began about 4 years ago, and an open house for the public was held Thursday afternoon.
Davenport Alderman, Marion Meginnis thanked the college and college district for coming to downtown Davenport in the 1970's.
"They were here during the lean, dim times, and they stayed here and they didn't go away. And I want to thank them for being here and being part of the community and thank them for staying."
Converting the two buildings into the new campus cost 30 million dollars. The west building contains classrooms and labs, while the east building features a coffee shop, student services, continuing education, and administrative offices.
Connecting the two is a new building with a community room, kitchen, and large open area for students.
